The NewActon precinct development has taken two prizes at the Urban Development Institute awards.

The mixed-use precinct, centred on the historic Hotel Acton building and courtyards, includes cafes, shops, health and fitness studios, apartments and offices.

The precinct, designed by Melbourne firm Fender Katsalidis and developed by the Monlongo Group, with land use and urban planning services by Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB), won the UDIA Award for Excellence in NSW regions and ACT, plus a commendation for the Master Planned Mixed Use development category.

PB regional director NSW/ACT David Stuart-Watt said the win was recognition of a modern design that tackled Canberra’s urban lifestyle, history and sustainability in one development.

“The first stage of the development included the restoration of the once derelict heritage-listed Hotel Acton and the construction of a new, mixed use, eight-storey building, which includes the headquarters for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission,” he said.

This first stage achieved a 4.5 Green Star rating with the remaining two stages scoring even higher ratings.

“Green Star measures in Stage 1 include gas water heating to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and high performance glass louvers to reduce the heat load and reduce overall energy use,” Stuart-Watt said.

Landscaped areas connect the areas of the precinct and feature the work of artists, craftspeople and designers.

The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Awards for Excellence presentation was held at Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour on Friday 25 September 2009.

Gemma Battenbough

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